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Make your Thanksgiving unforgettable with this juicy, golden roast turkey recipe! Flavorful herbs, buttery skin, and simple steps for a perfect holiday centerpiece.

A Delicious Thanksgiving Tradition

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a beautifully roasted turkey — crispy golden skin, tender juicy meat, and the warm aroma of herbs filling your kitchen. This easy herb-butter turkey recipe is the one I’ve perfected over the years, and it delivers consistent, crowd-pleasing results every single time.

If you’re planning your full menu, don’t miss my [Popular Thanksgiving Recipes] — everything from sides to desserts.

Whether you’re a first-time holiday cook or the seasoned family chef, this roast turkey will be the star of your feast. Let’s make it together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Turkey

1 whole turkey (12–14 lb), fully thawed
Salt & black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 cup chicken or turkey broth

For the Herb Butter

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp thyme, chopped
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon

Optional Aromatics (for the cavity)

1 large onion, quartered
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, halved
Fresh rosemary, thyme & sage sprigs

For the Gravy

4 tbsp drippings or butter
4 tbsp flour
3 cups turkey stock or pan drippings
Salt & pepper

Pro Tip: Fresh herbs make a HUGE difference in flavor and aroma.

If you need creamy holiday sides, pair this turkey with my [Mashed Potatoes Recipe] or classic [Green Bean Casserole].

How to Make the Perfect Roast Turkey

1️⃣ Prepare the Oven & Turkey

Preheat to 325°F (165°C).
Remove giblets and pat the turkey dry (crisp skin starts here!).
Season the cavity with salt and pepper.
Stuff with onion, garlic, lemon, and herbs.

2️⃣ Make the Herb Butter

Mix butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, and parsley.

Gently loosen the turkey skin and spread half the herb butter underneath.
Rub the remaining butter all over the outside.

This guarantees moist meat and a golden, flavorful crust.

3️⃣ Roast the Turkey

Place turkey breast-side up on a roasting rack.
Add 1 cup broth to the pan bottom.
Roast 13 minutes per pound at 325°F.
Baste every 30–45 minutes.
Increase to 425°F (218°C) for the final 30 minutes to crisp the skin.

Your turkey is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the breast AND thigh.

4️⃣ Let It Rest

Loosely tent with foil and rest 30 minutes.
This reabsorbs juices and keeps slices tender.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside classic holiday favorites:

[Creamy Mashed Potatoes]
[Homemade Stuffing]
[Sweet Potato Casserole]
[Green Bean Casserole]

Finish the meal with [Sweet Potato Pie] or [Pumpkin Pie] for the perfect holiday dessert.

For a beautiful presentation, garnish your platter with:
fresh rosemary • lemon slices • whole cranberries

Chef’s Tips & Flavor Boosters

Make It More Moist

Brine the turkey overnight in saltwater + herbs.

Add More Flavor

Pour ½ cup white wine or apple cider into the roasting pan.

For Small Gatherings

Roast a turkey breast with the same herb-butter mixture.

For Extra Crispy Skin

Start roasting at 425°F for 30 minutes, then reduce to 325°F.

Dairy-Free Version

Use olive oil instead of butter.

For creamy comfort-food pairings, try my [Loaded Potato Soup] or buttery [Baked Mac and Cheese].

Storage & Leftover Ideas

Refrigerate

Store turkey slices for up to 4 days.

Freeze

Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Reheat

Warm at 300°F (150°C) to keep meat tender.

Leftover Magic

Turn leftover turkey into:

Turkey Soup
Turkey Pot Pie
Turkey & Cheese Sliders
Turkey Salad Sandwiches

FAQ

How long should I roast a turkey?
About 13 minutes per pound at 325°F, until it reaches 165°F internally.

Do I need to brine the turkey?
Brining adds moisture but isn’t required — this herb-butter recipe stays juicy on its own.

How do I prevent a dry turkey?
Baste often, use a thermometer, and ALWAYS let it rest before carving.

❤️ Final Thoughts

This easy, buttery, herb-infused turkey recipe makes Thanksgiving stress-free and delicious. With its crisp skin, juicy meat, and rich aroma, this roast turkey is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a family tradition.

Give it a try this year, share your results, and make it your signature holiday dish!

External Resource

For expert roasting and carving guidance, see Butterball’s Official Turkey Roasting Guide:
https://www.butterball.com/how-tos/roasting

How to Cook a Juicy Thanksgiving Roast Turkey